Crackdown on thieves targeting rail passengers over festive season

The British Transport Police are not currently treating the teenager's death as suspicious EMN-150106-124503001

Published:15:37Friday 18 December 2015

Extra police will be patrolling the rail network in the East Midlands in the run-up to Christmas and into the New Year to crack down on thefts.

Uniform and plain clothes British Transport Police (BTP) officers will be out and about to tackle the theft of presents, suitcases, bags, bikes, mobile phones and laptops and a number of operations will be running at station and on trains.

Officers are also asking passengers to keep an eye on their gifts and personal belongings, take responsibility for their own security and be aware of some of the tricks and tactics festive thieves and Christmas crooks may use here.

BTP has also released a videos of 13 of the most common tricks at ww.btp.police.uk/theft

Officers will also be on the look out for those who act anti-socially , whilst ensuring that rail staff are not subjected to any kind of abuse or assault.

Temporary chief inspector Stuart Middlemas said: “Traditionally we see a rise in the number of people using trains and stations at this time of year. Unfortunately, with this, we also see an increase in thieves targeting passengers on the railway.

“They often look to take advantage of people who may have consumed too much alcohol, or who may be traveling with a lot of luggage to visit family and friends, or unsuspecting shoppers carrying bags containing expensive presents.

“We will be out and about on the rail network undertaking extra high visibility and undercover patrols and will be using the excellent CCTV system on the rail network to catch people in the act and put them before the courts.

“We will also be holding crime reduction events where we will be handing out leaflets and providing advice to people across the region – so come along and say hello.

“We also want people to watch the clips showing the tactics that festive thieves may use and how best they can safeguard themselves and look after their property on crowded trains and at stations.”